Ministry of Railways
PRIME MINISTER FLAGS OFF 9 VANDE BHARAT TRAINS INCLUDING PATNA-HOWRAH VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS
New Train with 25 Additional Features to Provide World Class Experience to Passengers, Boost to Tourism & Economic Activities, Hopes Railway
Kolkata, September 24, 2023
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today flagged off nine  Vande Bharat trains including the Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat Express at 12:30 PM through video conferencing. Flagging off the trains Shri Modi said, the “day is not far when Vande Bharat will connect every part of the country”. Hence, the new Vande Bharat trains are considered as a step forward towards accomplishing Prime Minister’s vision of improving connectivity across the country and providing world class facilities to the railway passengers.
Keeping in mind the excitement of people about this world class train, Eastern Railway  arranged for showcasing the train at various stations over the route of the inaugural run of Patna – Howrah Vande Bharat Express for the local people. During this celebration, Dr. Nishikant Dubey, MP was present at Jasidih & Madhupur while Narayan Das, MLA was present at Jasidih. Shri Sunil Soren, MP was at Jamtara, while Smt. Agnimitra Paul, MLA was at Asansol & Raniganj. Shri S. S. Ahluwalia, MP was present at Durgapur, Panagarh & Bardhaman, Shri Lakshman Ch. Ghorui, MLA was present at Durgapur along with other dignitaries. In fact, they graced the occasion to welcome the prestigious Patna – Howrah Vande Bharat Express train at different stations.
The new Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat Train is going to boost connectivity across three States viz. Bihar, Jharkhand & West Bengal. People of Patna, Luckeesarai, Jamui, Deoghar, Jamtara, Paschim Barddhaman, Purba Barddhaman, Hooghly, Howrah, Kolkata and adjacent districts of these three States are supposed to enjoy better connectivity from now onwards, hoped the Railway authority.
This semi high speed train will cover a distance of 532 kms from Patna to Howrah & will be the fastest train in this route and to save considerable time of the passengers. The train will leave Patna at 08:00 am to reach Howrah at 2:35 pm and in return journey, the train will leave Howrah at 3:50 pm to reach Patna at 10:40 pm daily . In comparison to the current fastest train along the route, Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat Express will be faster by about one hour. The commercial run of this train will commence from September 26, 2023 both from Patna & Howrah.
The introduction of this Vande Bharat train is going to herald a new standard of modern connectivity in the country. This train is equipped with world class amenities and advanced safety features, including Kavach technology, which is a key step towards providing modern, speedy and comfortable means of travel to common people, professionals, businessmen, students and also tourists.
In the ER jurisdiction the train will stop at Jasidih & Asansol to serve these two important cities with high-speed connectivity. It will also boost tourism and commercial business in the region. Prime Minister himself highlighted in his address that the introduction of these Vande Bharat trains will increase economic activities in the region.
The Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat Express is a significant step by Indian Railways to improve railway connectivity in the eastern region of the country.
This semi-high-speed train will provide a more convenient and time-saving option for the travellers, making it a vital addition to the transportation infrastructure in the area, hoped the Railway authority. With its speed and efficiency, the Vande Bharat Express is going to be a preferred choice for the commuters between Patna and Howrah, stated the Chief Public Relations Officer, Eastern Railway, Shri Kausik Mitra.